Causecast Incorporates Three of My Favorites: Business, Nonprofit, and Fun!

When Brokers for Charity first launched, I began seeing cause related companies and movements everywhere.  It was like there was a whole world that I hadn't noticed before.  I wondered if it had to do with the "car phenomenon" ... where you buy a particular model and suddenly you see it everywhere.  Was it simply because  I had a cause-conscious company or was there truly a shift toward causes-minded individuals, companies, and movements?  I think it was a bit of both.

One company that pops up everywhere, much like the car I just purchased, is Causecast.  Over the last few years I've watched them roll out a long list amazing things they do that I'd like to share.

Ryan Scott founded Causecast in 2008.  His drive to make a difference, his passion for technology, and his devotion to ethical marketing has evolved into an amazing platform to empower nonprofit organizations and help businesses with cause integration.

Causecast's cause integration and cause marketing platform helps both businesses and nonprofit organizations on many levels.  By using technology and data feeds, businesses are able to connect with qualified nonprofit organizations, while nonprofits can find brands that are seeking to engage their consumers or employees with their cause.  This creates a win-win for both the businesses and the nonprofit organizations.  There are also many ways that Causecast works with businesses and nonprofit organizations individually to provide them resources--and for nonprofits the resources are free.

Causecast business partnerships offer brands numerous ways to engage employees, attract customers, and showcase their corporate social responsibility.  Causecast has worked with Toyota, Paramount, The Huffington Post and many other brands.  They work with some biggies, but one of the many things that I love about Causecast is that you don't have to be a huge company to work with them on your brand's cause integration.

Causecast nonprofit partnerships are free to nonprofit organizations.  Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit can join Causecast to benefit from free integration into cause marketing campaigns as well as the many technology, promotion and fundraising tools.  Among the technologies provided is no-cost donations processing and the customizable tools to immediately put it to use on a nonprofit's website.  There are many fundraising platforms that charge a fee in excess of standard bank charges for online donation, but Causecast does not.

One of my favorite campaigns that Causecast created was Ben Stiller's Stillerstrong campaign.  If was fun and had a great storyline, all while raising money for a very serious cause.  This first video will give you a taste of the campaign, but I encourage you to watch hilariously effective ongoing episodes. Here's part one of Ben Stiller telling Lance Armstrong about his "original" idea Stillerstrong:



As you can see, Causecast incorporates technology, data, humor, marketing, and resources to empower nonprofit organizations and assist businesses in their socially responsible efforts.  And I'm proud to say that I now drive a cause-minded car similar to Ryan Scott's!

Bottom line: Nonprofit organizations, sign up!  It's quick, easy and free.  Businesses, find out how Causecast can help you incorporate causes and campaigns into your brand as well as showcase the good you're already doing.

Social Media and Caffeinated Buzz Surround the Launch of CoffeeWeek in the Fight Against Cancer.

With causes, coffee, and social media being three of my favorite things, you can imagine my excitement when I met Aspen Decker, co-founder of CoffeePledge Against Cancer's CoffeeWeek program.  Whether you love coffee and social media or hate cancer, you're going to love this!

Aspen and co-founder Marcos Arce of the CoffeePledge Against Cancer are launching a creative way to rally support and raise funds in their mission against cancer next month.  As internet professionals personally affected by the disease, they have combined their passion for social innovation, coffee and a great cause to make a difference.  First, the CoffeePledge team carefully selects its local beneficiaries that will further cancer treatment and research in the market where CoffeeWeek will be hosted. Once that’s done, they unleash what they do best - BUZZ (pun intended.)  You are bound to find everything from live video feeds from each location, tweets, posts, news crews, and celebrity appearances.  So for anyone deciding to participate during CoffeeWeek, you are sure to leave with a special blend of social good.

The first cities to launch CoffeeWeek September 5 through September 11, 2011 will be Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ, with proceeds benefiting the Phoenix Children's Hospital.  You can support the cause at local Press Coffee, Echo Coffee, Hava Java, and Fair Trade Cafe locations.  There are many fun and inexpensive ways to participate in CoffeeWeek.  Whether you pop in and buy a cup or host a coffee break for 24 of your employees, customers or friends for $10, sponsor, or volunteer to help during the week, everything makes a difference!

Please come out and join me and play, drink, give, tweet, blog, or whatever during CoffeeWeek in Phoenix and Scottsdale this year and "buy a cup of coffee to save a life."  And stay tuned Los Angeles!  CoffeePledge Against Cancer's CoffeeWeek is adding you to the calendar for next year!

Yelling at Craig Newmark of Craigslist From the Cheap Seats. Really People?

Yesterday, I was reminded of a Dodger game I went to when I was about ten years old. As a tomboy playing baseball at the time, I took the game very seriously. So, when the guy next to me was screaming at Steve Garvey about his wife cheating on him, or leaving, or something, I was a bit thrown. I received clarification from my dad who informed me of their recent split and quickly went from confused to appalled. This guy was a Dodger fan, so why was he being so mean and what did Steve Garvey's wife have to do with baseball? The remainder of the game I gave the man dirty looks and plotted to "accidentally" spill my soda on him and all of the things I should say to give him a piece of my ten year old outraged mind. "What do you know? You're a crappy fan! You know I could strike you out, right?"

These feelings came up for me again last week when I saw comments on Craig Newmark's Facebook page post that he was writing checks to four veteran's organizations totaling $100,000. His craigconnects.org Veterans and Military Families Grant Challenge had ended and he was sending grants to The Bob Woodruff Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Intrepid Museum Foundation, and Blue Star Families.

LIke that day at Dodger Stadium, most of Craig's Facebook "fans" were cheering, but not all of them. There were the "c'mon you can give more, you can do more!" Really, he doesn't HAVE to do anything and he does quite a lot in addition to this. And "you should apologize to the military families when they can't post a bike they need to sell so they can feed their kids" (speaking to a Craigslist spam/flagging process.) Seriously? What does their free Craigslist post have to do with him giving $100,000 in grants? She was obviously flagged and removed on craiglist.org at some point. I was happy to see that many others shared their thoughts with the hecklers as I was unable to do at the Dodger game.

Unfortunately, I've seen many other ridiculous portrayals of this "evil Craig guy." Before he took on all of these devilish roles, he put a few things together online to help his friends connect with each other and various events in San Francisco. This eventually became craigslist and now helps many. He is an advisor and board member of many nonprofit organizations and started Craigslist Foundation and craigconnects.org. This "evil" man supports veterans, education, volunteerism, open government and many more including…journalistic integrity and fact checking. Hmmm….wonder why he's passionate about fact checking?!?!

Bottom line, to all of you who sit in the cheap seats and judge, or fan a page when you're not a fan just so you can gripe, please don't. If you used the time you took making your crappy comment into doing something nice, the world would be a much better place. Oh, and "What do you know? You're a crappy fan! You know I could strike you out, right?"

Playing for Change – Changing the World Through Music

A few years back, I remember seeing a viral video of a group of musicians performing "Stand by Me." It was one of those rare moments that you feel something grab you, take you in, and you lose all sense of anything or anyone around you. As moving as this performance is, the story behind it and the continuing journey, are even more amazing. Please turn up your volume and enjoy:



This was the first single from Playing for Change, a multi-media charity art project of Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke. What began as a project to record musicians from around the world and to share their music with the world, sprouted a movement to give back to these musician's communities through The Playing for Change Foundation.

Last fall I had the opportunity to see the Playing for Change concert at the Musical Instrument Museum and attend an educational session on their journey with Co-Founder Mark Johnson.  I was excited to hear first-hand of how his idea evolved into such an incredible movement.  I honestly didn't think the hairs on my arms and the back of my neck could stand up for a full 2 hours, but evidently, they can.  It was truly overwhelming listening to his inspiring journey, seeing the sparkle in his eyes and hearing the passion in his voice.  The only thing missing from this learning session was a box of much-needed tissues.  You'll see the sparkle and hear the passion in this short clip of Mark:



To date, Playing for Change Foundation has created 7 music programs, 130 jobs and have 600 students attending music programs they started throughout the world.  With their "mission to ensure that anyone with the desire to receive a music education would have the opportunity to do so," I have no doubt that if anyone can do it, Playing for Change and their Playing for Change Foundation can!

Jason Kidd Not Only Wins With The Mavericks, He Wins With The Kids.

Watching the NBA playoffs this week, I was reminded about an article I read a few years back about Jason Kidd. The article by AZcentral.com was about Jason purchasing a new home in Paradise Valley, Arizona.  Or was it?  I remember having mixed feelings and being a little confused on the purpose after reading it.  And reading it again.



Were they trying to inform me about his new high priced home, the abuse allegations and anger management classes from 7 years prior, his new contract $$ with the Dallas Mavericks, or his management company Boulevard Management and their high profile celebrity clients, including Shaquille O'Neil and Barbara Streisand?  Huh?



So what did I come away with?  Jason Kidd bought a huge, expensive home in Paradise Valley.  Remember Jason? He played for the local Phoenix Suns, maybe beat his wife, makes a lot of money, has a high profile management company, and has played on a few other basketball teams.  Oh, and he didn't want to comment on this article when we contacted him. Really?  I can't imagine why he wouldn't want to comment on all of that.



Let me be perfectly clear.  I DO NOT support or condone abuse of any kind and we partner with nonprofit organizations that help and empower survivors of domestic violence.  I do not know Jason or what happened in his marriage 10 years ago, but this is what I do know.



Jason Kidd started The Jason Kidd Foundation in 1996.  They provide homeless and underprivileged kids with tools they need to succeed through mentoring, tutoring, and technology programs.  Some of the organizations they support are Northern Light School, Vogel Alcove, and Kipp Truth Academy.  For every assist that he gives in the regular and post-season, he donates $100 to the Jason Kidd Foundation.  Jason received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award during his 2009-2010 season with the Dallas Mavericks for his charitable and philanthropic efforts in the community.



Jason, next time you're looking to buy or sell property, call us at Brokers for Charity.  The press may focus less on the crystal chandeliers, money you make, and past abuse allegations and more on the thousands of commission dollars going to The Jason Kidd Foundation and the causes you support.  Kudos to you, Jason on your philanthropy and congratulations on your NBA National Championship!

The Spark: Combining Real Estate and Giving To Nonprofit Organizations

If you see me at the grocery store, you will more often see me talking to myself rather than shopping for salad dressing.  "Ok, I need this and what about this and, oh that's right, don't forget, you can't forget this time..." ..you know… Add to the tornado of thoughts the addition of something I don't normally shop for: salad dressing.  I can never make salad like I order in the restaurant, so I just don't do it. But, for some reason on this day I was looking for Italian dressing and had no clue was was "good" dressing.  Being the overly analytical shopper that I am, I started looking at labels, carbs, blah, blah, blah and noticed that Newman's Own donated their profits to charity.  So I threw it in my cart, and figured that if anyone complained I could chalk it up to the greater giving good and that would shut them up!  I continued to talk to myself, but then realized that I was also skipping with a huge smile while pushing my cart.  SO not a good combo while talking to yourself at the grocery store.  Noticing that there could be a potential issue with the local police pepartment, I stopped to re-group.

Why the skipping?  I'm much more of a tomboy than a skipper!  How cool that I could buy something and it gave back.  Pick A and they keep all the profits and pick B and WOW, look, I may have saved a whole country…..start skipping!!!!  Ok, so I must admit that following my euphoria of my dressing purchase I got a bit pissed that there weren't more ways I could give back.  Probably not a great word to use if you're starting a new company, which I didn't know I was.  I wondered why I couldn't do this everywhere I shopped?  That's just WRONG!

So like a bullhorn over the loud speaker in the store, I hear my dad saying at my frustrastion "you don't have the right to bitch about it if you're not willing to do something to change it." And again, he was right!

And so it goes after years and lawyers, and tigers and bears, with every real estate transaction in the US and Canada, 10% can to your favorite nonprofit!

So back to Dad's voice in my head, "put up, or shut-up."  I've never been so good at the shut-up, so now we have Brokers for Charity.